MANOJ’S MELODIOUS MEMORIES OF MUSICIANS
Distinguished music director Kalashuri Manoj Peiris who is one of the most sought-after men in the local music scene has been bestowed with several honorary titles, hundreds of awards and tokens of appreciation in his career spanning some three and a half decades.today Manoj Peiris joins us to go down memory lane in recalling the musicians who inspired him in his outsanding musical career.
“Since the early eighties, I was fortunate to work with the giants in the music field during the golden era of our music. After joining the SLBC orchestra in 1982 and serving it for more than a decade, I had to step down in 1993. But in 2009 I was appointed as a director to the SLBC board. I have toured some 42 countries with topmost singers in the country. In this tuneful journey, I have come across some special musicians whose friendship and motivation will always remain in my memories,“said Manoj.
“I am only mentionaing about musicians with whom I had the good fortune of working with. V. Hemapala Perera is one such unforgettable character and the others include Sarath de Alwis – the keyboard maestro, whom I met in the early eighties when he directed music for the stage play ‘Sathyawadi Harischandra’. Ernest Soysa who revoultionised the outdoor band musical show concept with his guitar playing style is another musician who made an impact in my career. So is the gifted guitarist Mahinda Bandara whose playing styles are still followed even by the present generation. Speaking about vilonists who inspired me, I must recall the contributions made by Kalani Perera and D. D. Gunasena who are masters in the art. I met senior tablist Premnath Kodituwakku during recordings and Rejina Mamai concerts in the early eighties and since then he has been an inspration to me. Talking of tablists, fellow ariste Rohana Bogoda who was also a one time talented tablist have worked with me in harmony,” he said.
“Some of the great guys who made a huge impact on my career are not amongst us today, but they will never be forgotten. Among them are the late Patrick Denipitiya in whose group I played and gained invaluable experience. Stanley Peiris is another giant I associated with and played with him for decades including the last show of legendary singer H. R. Jothipla in 1987. Legendary musician M. K. Rocksamy is another unforgettable character who helped me shine in my career. Wijayaratne Ranathunga’s influence in my musical career cannot be explained in a few words. Tissasiri Perera whom I introduced to film music with ‘Pilot Premnath’ is another personality who deseves mention here. Among the other noteworthy personalities who are no more today, are Claude Fernando, Ranjith Perera, Ranjith Silva, Padmasiri Ruparatne and Hemapala Gallage,” said Manoj.